Exciting Tamil Nadu and Kerala Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Mahabalipuram. On arrival, check-in at the hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, your Mahabalipuram sightseeing tour begins with a visit to the Panch (five) Rathas - a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, near Chennai. These five structures, dating back to the 7th century, designed in the shape of chariots are made out of a large block of granite stone that represents the monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. Then we visit the Arjunas Penance - a masterpiece carved out in the mid-17th century.

Next, witness the Mahasura Mandapam - a rock-cut cave temple dating back to the late 17th century, portraying the artistic craftsmanship of the Pallavas and the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 8th century AD, the Shore Temple is a complex of two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and one dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Also, it is one of the stone temples of South India which has stood strong over the years. Close to the Panch Rathas is the Krishnas Butter Ball, just a km away. It is a gigantic rock of granite, over 20 feet in height, resting on a short incline. Weighing more than 250 ton, this rock miraculously stands on an extremely small, slippery area of a hill.

In the morning, you will be driven to Pondicherry also known as Puducherry. Pondicherry was under the rule of French till 1954. This is why it is considered as a French colony in India that showcases colonial heritage with streets dotted with yellow-walled houses and authentic street-side French cafes. This vibrant city - with a spiritual touch, French-style architecture, breezy shores and tranquil air - welcomes you with all the love. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. After some relaxation, go for the Pondicherry sightseeing tour. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and famous temples like Manakula Lord Vinayagar and Sri Ganesha Temple. You will also visit Auroville which is a universal town where people of all nationalities follow the principle of harmony and peace.

Today, check out from the hotel in Pondicherry and drive to Trichy, en route, visit Thanjavur.

Thanjavur also is known as Tanjore was one of the capitals of the Chola dynasty (one of the longest-ruling dynasties of South India). It is famous for Tanjore paintings and Bharatnatyam classical dance performances. It has been an important centre of religion, art and architecture, silk weaving and most of the Chola dynasty temples are present here. Here, you can visit the Brihadeeshwara Temple, the first-ever all Granite temples in the world. This temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built during the Chola Dynasty that captured Tanjore. The presiding deity here is Nataraja (the dance form of Lord Shiva) and Nandi (Lord Shiva’s vehicle). Striking features about this temple is that it doesn’t cast a shadow on the ground at noon and there are musical pillars within the temple that create music when tapped. Next, visit the Thanjavur Palace, an official residence of the Bhosle family that ruled Tanjore. Within the palace, you will see the Sadar Mahal Palace, the queen's courtyard, the Durbar Hall, Raja Serfoji Memorial Hall and don’t miss out on the Royal Palace Museum displaying sculptures, weaponry, and elephant bells etc.

After Thanjavur sightseeing continue drive to Trichy. Check-in at the hotel.

In the morning after breakfast at the hotel, head out for a sightseeing tour in Trichy. It is also called Tiruchirapalli and is the 4th largest city of Tamil Nadu. This bustling town’s landmark is the Rock Fort temple perched on a hilltop. This city is as old as 3rd century B.C that has been ruled by few most powerful dynasties of South India, namely the Pandyas, Pallavas, Nayak Dynasty and Chola Dynasty etc. Now it is a thriving town popular for silk sarees, artificial stone jewellery, wooden crafts and much more.

On reaching Trichy, visit the magnificent Rock Fort temple. Also called Ucchi Pillayar Koil, it is a temple built in the 7th century. Visitors reach here barefoot after climbing about 400 steps to capture the mesmerizing views of the city of Trichy and River Cauvery. It comprises of two temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. Below the Rockfort temple, walk through the Chinnar Bazaar, Gandhi Bazaar, and side streets.

In the morning, drive to Chettinad. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. It is rich in cultural heritage, art, and architecture, and is well known for its houses embellished with marble and Burma teak and comprising of wide courtyards and spacious rooms. Legend has it that their usual walls are polished with a paste made of egg white to give a smooth texture. Witness the glorious mansions of Chettiars and the Chettinad Museum.

After breakfast, drive to Madurai. It is located on the banks of River Vargai, is one of the few oldest inhabited cities in India whose origin dates back to 3rd century B.C. This city is more than 2,500 years old located on the banks of the River Vargai. It was once the capital of the Pandavas - five brothers in the great Indian epic “Mahabharata”.

On reaching, check-in at the hotel. After some relaxation, go for Madurai sightseeing tour with the first visit to the famous 1000-years old Meenakshi temple where Goddess Meenakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati and Sundareshwarar are worshipped here. This temple was among the top 30 nominees for the "New Seven Wonders of the World". Next, visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a 17th-century palace that displays a beautiful fusion of Dravidian and Rajput architecture style built by King Thirumalai Nayak (1623-1659) as his royal residence. Visit Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam - a small water tank that has underground channels with the River Vargai. It has a 2000-years old temple, dedicated to Lord Vigneshwara, in the centre. 

After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive you to Periyar. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. Periyar is a landscape, set amidst the Western Ghats, in Kerala that entices its visitors with its rich biodiversity and natural vistas. It is famous for its Wildlife Sanctuary, which is considered to be one of the major tiger reserves in India. Nestled in the Western Ghats, Periyar is blessed with exotic wildlife and scenic charm.

After breakfast, visit the popular Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - a reserve of Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, Wild Boars, Tigers, Leopards, etc. It has a 100-years old artificial water lake where you can sight tigers, baby elephants and a couple of other animals in a playful mood. Here you can go for a boat ride (Optional) at the Periyar Lake to capture rich glimpses of wildlife, tea/coffee and spice plantations etc.

In the morning, drive to Munnar. It is a beautiful hill station named after three rivers, Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly located on Kannan Devan Hills. It is a popular honeymoon destination in Kerala and offers spell bounding views of vast plantations of tea and spices. It also boasts of the highest peak in South India - Anamudi. It is surrounded by various wildlife sanctuaries that house the grizzled giant squirrel, elephant, gaur, Nilgiri Langur, Sambar, etc. Every year, tourists visit here for Neelakurinji - a blue flower which blooms once in every 12 years.

Today go on a sightseeing tour of Munnar with the first visit to the Tea Estates. Munnar is a city renowned for its bountiful tea plantations nestled amidst pristine nature. Walkthrough these sprawling tea estates and soak yourself in the refreshing aroma of the tea leaves. Here you can also visit the Tea Museum that showcases old photographs and huge types of machinery that have been used in tea processing over the years. Also, get a first-hand experience of how tea is processed. Explore the Eravikulam National Park which is a must-visit attraction located in Munnar. The first of its kind in Kerala that is home to the exotic Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat) and various other endangered species. Also, a flower that blooms once in 12 years - Neelakurinji (next was seen in 2018), is another attraction here. Head to the Mattupetty Dam which is a concrete gravity dam constructed between 1949 and 1953 for the purpose of conservation of water and hydroelectricity generation. The captivating reflection of the surrounding tea gardens falling upon the still water is the best part of this dam.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Kumarakom. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure.

It is a scenic village located at the bank of the Vembanad Lake.

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey. It is also called the 'Venice of the East' and located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. This is a place where you can book an overnight houseboat stay and enjoy a relaxing ride and overnight stay floating across the brilliant views of Kerala’s village life, lush green paddy fields and coconut lagoons.

On arrival, board the houseboat. After registering, will receive a traditional welcome drink. As your houseboat rides through the backwaters of Alleppey, you will be served lunch, evening snacks with tea/coffee and dinner on the go. The boat will be anchored near a village for the night since cruising is not possible during the night because the local fishermen put their nets.

After breakfast today on the Houseboat, we will drive you to Cochin.

On arrival proceed for sightseeing of Cochin that begins with a visit to Fort Kochi located on the western coast of India amidst the pristine waters of Arabian Sea. On visiting this fort, soak in the mesmerizing specimens of the bygone era. The architecture of this gorgeous fort uncovers the layers of colonial influence ingrained in this city. Visit the St. Francis Church within the middle of fort’s complex. Built-in the year 1503, it is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. The lofty architecture of this Church is impressive in every way and has managed to retain its ancient charm, over the years.

Also, visit the Jewish Synagogue located close to Fort Kochi, which is more than 100-years old. It was built in 1568 and is a showpiece displaying hand-painted floor tiles, Belgium-imported glass chandeliers and rare antiques etc. and an exclusive gallery. We end the day with a visit to the Chinese Fishing Nets. They are a hallmark of the Fort Kochi, visible from Fort Kochi. The concept of these fishing nets is said to be introduced by Zheng He (a Chinese explorer). Here the fishing nets are made of bamboo and teakwood poles and practice the principle of balance. After sightseeing you will check-in to your hotel. Later you can end your day watching the traditional Kathakali Dance Show in Cochin.

After breakfast, our company representative will transfer you to Cochin International Airport for your flight back home.